What is the difference between multi-camera and single-camera editing?
In multi-camera work, several cameras record the same moment at once, and the editor chooses between angles that are already in sync. In single-camera work, one camera shoots each setup separately, often over several takes, and the editor builds each scene from shots recorded at different times. Talk shows, podcasts, sitcoms and unscripted TV are usually multi-camera. Most drama and film is single-camera.
The two ways of shooting change the editor’s job more than almost anything else on a production. One gives you choices at every moment. The other gives you choices between moments.
Multi-camera
Several cameras roll at the same time on the same action. A sitcom might use four on a stage, a talk show five or more, and a reality show one camera per person plus some fixed angles in the room.
For the editor:
- The angles are grouped and lined up, so every camera shows the same instant.
- You cut by choosing an angle, often live while it plays, the way a vision mixer would.
- Performance is continuous, so continuity between angles is rarely a problem.
- The work is choosing well, quickly, across a lot of footage.
Single-camera
One camera shoots one setup at a time. A scene is filmed as a wide, then again for each close-up, often with several takes of each.
For the editor:
- Each line exists in several takes and several sizes, recorded at different moments.
- You build a performance from pieces, matching action and eyelines between shots that were never filmed together.
- Choosing the best reading of a line is a large part of the job.
- The work is shaping performance and rhythm shot by shot.
Why it matters for your software
Multi-camera work needs angles that line up reliably, and a way to cut between them live and change your mind later. Single-camera work needs fast ways to compare takes and fine control of each edit point. Most professional editors do both, so the tool should handle both well.
How B/side handles it
For multi-camera, group every camera and the sound recorder and the angles line up by their sound, on every plan. Cut live from a grid of every angle by click or number key, and switch the angle on any cut afterwards. On Production, bSync lines up by sound and by picture.
For single-camera, you can compare every take of a line, and trim mode lets you refine each edit point to the frame while it plays.
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